Speed of Play Soccer Drill

Free Soccer Training video focused on Speed of Play Soccer Drill. At Online Soccer Academy (OSA) we make BETTER Soccer Players / Football Players through FREE soccer tutorials. We inspire athletes that if you Believe in it® and back that up with hard work, anything in life is possible.

Speed of Play Soccer Drill

Speed of play is very important for soccer youth.Today we are learning one of many soccer drills we can do for a speed of play exercise.

Exercise Player Can Do:

We will set up the exercise first and then go over the key points. Juggle the ball while standing and then kick it up high. As the ball is coming down check your shoulders, then take your touch away from an imaginary defender. So imagine a defender is coming up on your left side and take your touch to your right side away from the defender. Dribble a bit, and then repeat. Do this for a few minutes.

If you can't juggle well then toss the ball in the air with your hands.

For tips on controlling the ball out of the air watch my Online Soccer Academy video tilted "How to Control the Soccer Ball Out of the Air".

Key Points:

1. When the ball is in the air check your shoulder and look behind you. Why do you do this? You check your shoulder to see where the defenders are, where your teammates are, where the space is, etc.

Watch the best pros on TV when they are receiving a pass and moving across the field. You will see them checking their shoulders. Whether you are 25 playing for Manchester United or 14 playing for Arkansas United, you can check your shoulders.

2. Take your touch away from the defender. If you see a defender on your left, go right. Sounds easy right? But it's not easy to make it look easy.

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong:

If you keep taking a bad touch when you control the ball out of the air then you are checking your shoulder too late. Don't wait until the ball is almost on your foot to check your shoulder. Do it earlier when the ball is higher up so you have time to look, see the field and get your eyes back on the ball before it lands.

Bonus Tip!

Practice speed of play regularly and it will greatly improve your game. Why do you think 18 year olds are starting on pro teams? It's not because they are the fastest or most athletic, it's because they think the fastest.